Broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen should also be regularly applied along with UV-blocking lip balm. Pro Choice also recommends you learn about the controversial use of nanoparticles in sunscreen and consider avoiding sunscreens with nanoparticles due to health experts questioning their safety.

For those working in areas where flies or mosquitos can be an issue, the Pro Choice heavy duty fly net integrates directly with most hard hats and will keep bugs from distracting workers.

Stay Cool:

Heat stress and heat illness in the workplace costs Australian employers $6.9 billion every year in productivity losses, with blue collar workers particularly at risk. There are also serious safety issues associated with heat stress.

It is recommended physically intensive tasks are not performed in the heat of the day, however workers can build up heat tolerance by improving their physical fitness.

Dehydration is a serious OHS issue on Australian worksites that increases in warmer months. It can reduce cognitive function and impair decision making, slow reaction times and reduce productivity and morale. The issue is so serious that some sites even implement pre-shift hydration testing of workers.

Broad fluid consumption guidelines for those working in the heat are 250-300ml of fluid every 15 minutes, however salts and electrolytes lost in sweat must also be replaced or death can potentially result, as seen in the many deaths among otherwise healthy Aussies hiking the Kokoda trail.

Other initiatives to minimise dehydration dangers:

Pre-hydrate before a shift

Minimise alcohol consumption

Don’t rely on thirst as an indicator – by then you are already dehydrated.

Choose low-sugar, healthy drinks that taste good.

Drink cool beverages. They are more appealing and will encourage consumption.

Drink smaller amounts regularly rather than large amounts occasionally.